Abstract
Today Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) are amongst the most popular dogs in Britain and seen to have long history, dating back to the fox terriers bred by Parson Jack Russell in the early and mid-Victorian period. Yet, JRTs are the dog breed most recently recognized by the British Kennel Club, only being allowed to enter dog shows and be registered in the Club’s stud book since 2016. This essay explores this paradox. It is a story of struggles between different groups over the physical form and cultural meaning of this a particular type of dog, but similar histories of the contested and contingent creation could be told of every dog breed. Modern dog breeds were invented materially and culturally in the Victorian era, first in Britain before being spread around the world. Then and since, the creation of individual breeds, and the definition of breed standards, have been contingent, negotiated and renegotiated at every level, being co-produced (reproduced) culturally and materially. History shows that breed could have been differently conceived and specific dog breeds differently made.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Humanimalia: Journal of Human/Animal Interface Studies |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Sept 2018 |
Keywords
- Breed
- Dog breeds
- Jack Russell terriers